Building structure



Au 31, 1943. J. cowm 2,328,197

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 24, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 /NVENT'OE JZMES Cow/ J. cowm 2,328,197

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 24, 1941- 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 31, 1943.

Au 31, 1943. CQWIN 2,328,197

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 24, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 lzvwslvroz 9 J/Mss EQW Arv-azzvs Yr J. COWIN BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 24, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 //VVENTOE JZMES COW/N Patented Aug. 31 1943 2,328,191 aumnmo s'rnuo'rune James Cowin, lllinneapolis, lilinn., adamato Cowin' and Company, Minneapolis, mum, a corporatlonot Minnesota 7 Application December 24, 1941, Serial No. 424,277

4 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in building structures, and more particularly to such structures constructed principally of metal.

An object of the present invention is to provide an all-metal building, which is so designed and constructed that it may readily be erected with a minimum of labor, and which may also be dismantled or taken down, when desired, substantially without destroying any of the parts thereof.

A further object is to provide a building structure comprising a plurality of semi-circular arches arranged in spaced relation lengthwise of the building and securely tied together by suitable tie members, whereby a very rigid and substantial skeleton skeleton frame composed of a frame may be constructed to which suitable wall plates or members may be subsequently secured.

A further object is to provide a building of the character disclosed which is so designed that substantially all of its parts may be pre-formed, whereby the operation of erecting the building is greatly facilitated.

A further object is to provide a building which is so designed that the entire roof portion of the building may be supported wholly upon the side wall portions thereof, regardless of the size of the building, whereby the entire .floor area of the building'is unobstructed.

A further object is to provide a building in which the side walls and roof cooperat to form a semi-cylindrical structure, which may be made to cover a comparatively large ground area without the use of center roof supports, whereby the entire floor area of the building is entirely free from obstructions, and whereby the building readily lends itself for use as a hangar, for housing aircraft and other analagous equipment.

A further object is to provide a building of the character disclosed comprising a plurality of wall plates or members which may be quickly attached to the skeleton supporting frame of the structure without the necessity of drilling holes therein for bolts or screws, as is now more or less common practice in buildings of this general type.

A further object is to provide a building of the class described comprising a plurality of independent semi-circular arches which may be completely assembled before erection, and are then successively raised to an upright position from one end of the building, and tied together to provide a very rigid and rugged skeleton frame to which the wall and roof covering may subsequently be secured.

Other objects of the invention reside in the 1' building;

novel means provided for securing the wall plates 7 in position upon the skeleton frame; inthe sealporting arches to th foundation whereby the arches may readily be swung upwardly to their operative positionswith a minimum of efiort and labor, in the erection of the building; and in the provision of an all-metal building which is so shaped and designed as to ofi'er resistance to high winds, and in a minimum of which all of the parts are so constructed that the entire building may readily and "the following description and accompanying drawings and will be claims.

In the accompanying drawings ther has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, butit is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown; as variou changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved pointed out in the annexed Figure 2 is an end view of the building;

Figure 3 is an enlarged, detailed sectional view on the line H of Figure 2 showing the manner of securing the end walls upon the foundation;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, showing the sealing elements interposed between the overlapping ends of adjacent wall plates to secure such ends together in leak-proof relation; I

Figure 5 is a detail sectional view substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, showing the door supporting means;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a foundation showing some of the main supporting arches erected and others in position for erection;

erected;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view on the line- 8-8 of Figure 1,

showing the rods provided 1 within the building for reinforcing the main supporting arch'es;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional view substantially last to be erected, which would preferably have on the line 9-9 of Figure 8, showing the manner I of securing in position the edges of adjacent wall plates;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view substantially on the line Ill-Ill of Figure 9, showing the means for securing'thewall plates to the skeleton supporting frame;

Figure 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the line lI-ll of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a detail sectional view on the line, I2l2 of Figure 1; v

Figure 13 is a perspective view of one of the wall plates;

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view showing a slight modified construction wherein the inner strap-like clamping member is longitudinally recessed, whereby a portion thereof extends into the channel between the flanges of the wall plate; Y Figure 15 is a similar view wherein the outer walls of the recessed portion of the inner clamping member engage the plate flanges and out- .wardly force them into engagement with the inner wall surfaces of the channel clamping member; l

Figures 16 and 17 are similar views showing modifications.

The novel building herein disclosed is preferably semi-cylindrical in cross-section, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, and the walls and roof portions of the building are of metal. The structural framework of the building consists of a plurality of semi-circular arches, generally designated by'the numeral 2. To facilitate construction and handling, each arch 2 is preferably made up of a plurality of curved sections 3, which are joined together at their ends by suitable splicing elements 5, shown in Figure 8. In a relatively large building, as herein shown, the arches 2 are preferably channel-shaped in crosssection, as best shown in Figures 10 and 12, and have their spaced parallel webs 6 facing inwardly. In relatively smaller buildings, the arches 2 may be made of angle iron, or stock of any desired cross-section.

To support the arches in upright position, a suitable foundation 1 is provided, the walls of which have suitable brackets B-imbedded therein, to the upper portions 9 of whichsuitable foundation or base rails or angles ll aresuitably secured. ;The base rails or angles have their upright websl2 disposed substantially flush with .the outer surface [3 of the foundation 1, as

best shown in Figure 11, where the wall covering, subsequently to be described, may extend downwardl below the top of the foundation to prevent rain or water from entering'the building where the walls join the foundation.

In the erection of the building, the lower extremities of the completed arches 2 are preferably bolted to the base rails H by suitable bolts M, as shown in Figure 11, and while the arches are reposing in substantially the position shown at the left-hand side of Figure 7. To facilitate erection, the arches preferably have their intermediate portions supported on suitable supports I5, whereby the arches may be disposed substantially as shown in the left-hand portion of Figure 7. However, if desired, the supports I may be dispensed with, in which case all of the arches may be supported directly upon one another, with the exception of the end arch its intermediate portion suitably supported, as shown in Figure 7. The arches may be successively raised to their upright operative positions, as shown at B in Figure '7, by such means as a block-and-tackle, not shown in the drawings.

During the operation of raising each arch to its upright position, it may pivot about the bolts H securing. the lower ends thereof to the base rails II, as will be understood by reference to the broken line IS, in Figure 7. As the arches are successively raised to an upright position, they are secured together in spaced relation by suitable tie members l 1, preferably of angle iron cross-section, which have their terminals secured to the webs 6 of the arches 2 by such means as bolts 18, best shown inFigure 10; When all or the arches, the full length of the building, have been raised and secured-together by the tie meme bers 11, a very rigid structural framework is provided, to which the usual wall covering is subsequently secured.

The wall and roof covering of the building is preferably of sheet metal, and consists of a plurality of sheet metal plates or members, generally designated by the numeral l9. Each wall plate is formed with longitudinally extending side flanges 2|, as clearly illustrated 10 and 13.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the novel means provided for securing the wall plates IS in position on the structural frame provided by the arches 2 and tie members l1. As best shown in Figures 10 and 12, the wall I and roof plates I! are secured to the structural j frame by means of elongated curved clamping members 22, which are preferably V-shaped in cross-section, as best shown in Figure 10. Each clamping member 22 is shown comprising outwardly projecting flanges 23, adapted to be seated against the marginal edge portions of contiguous wall plates IS, with the adjacent plate flanges 2| at each joint being disposed with a member 22, as clearly illustrated in Figure 10. A clamping member 22 is secured in position on each arch 2 by suitable bolts 24, whereby the marginal edges of the wall sheets or plates l9 are flrmly clamped between the flanges 23 of' the members 22 and the arches 2. a

. In the construction of a building, the main supporting arches 2 may, for example, be spaced approximately six feet apart, lengthwise of the building, although it is to be understood that this spacing may be varied to suit conditions.

To facilitate handling of the wall plates i9, they are preferably made approximately two feet wide,

and may be six, eight or more feet long, depending upon'the size of the building, and the plates are arranged with their longitudinal axes vertically disposed in the building, as will be understood by reference to Figure 1. When the width of the wall plates is is less than the spacing between the main arches 2, the joints between contiguous wall platesbetween adjacent main arches 2 are secured together by additional clamping members 22, having complemental strap-like clamping members 25 secured thereto by bolts 24, imilar to those used in the joints at the arches 2. The flanged edges 2| of adjacent wall plates 19 which are disposed between the main arches 2, are firmly clamped. between the clamping members22 and 25, as'shown at the left-hand side of Figure 10, and said clamping members are upported against inward pressure in Figures by the tiemembers l1, against which the inner strap-like clamping members may be seated.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the novel means provided for construct ing the horizontal joints. between adjacent wall plates or sheets, whereby these joints are leakproof. and are extremely simple and inexpensive x in construction. The means provided for thus connecting together the ends of the wall plates is shown comprising suitable connecting elements, generally designated by the numeral 23, which preferably are in'the form of an inverted 8 incross-section, as will be clearly understood by reference to Figure 4. Each connecting element is provided with inwardly facing hooks shaped ends 21, each adapted to receive an end ofoneofthetwowallplates lltobejoinedas shown in Figure 4. The adjacent ends of the plates are arranged in overlapping relation, whereby the body of the connecting element will be disposed between the overlapping end portions of the wall plates being joined. By thus securing together the ends of the plates, the joints will be leak-proof, whereby water and snow cannot enter the building at said points.

The end walls of. the building may be constructed as shownin Figure 2, wherein it will be noted that a suitable door opening is provided,

10 eac which is defined by upright angles 29 and a horizontally disposed top angle 29, which preferably extends from side wall to side wall on the inside of the end wall, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2. The horizontal angle 29 may be suitably braced to the upright angles 28 by diagonal braces 3|; The lower end of the upright angles 28 are suitably secured to base angles 32, which in turn are suitably secured to the top of the foundation 1.

As best shown in Figure 5, the upper horizontal angle 29 of the door opening has its horizontal web 33 facing inwardly, and a relatively smaller angle 3H suitably secured to the horizontal web 33 of the angle 29, and serves as a rail for supporting suitable sliding or traveling doors 35. Each door is shown provided with a Pair of grooved rollers 36, which travel on the rail 34. The rollers are shown mounted on brackets 31, secured to the doors, as shown in Figure 5. i A suitable wall plate 38 is provided at each side of the door opening, and each has one edge secured to one of the upright channels 28. Relatively smaller wall plates 39 are disposed over the door opening adjacent to the side plates 38, and each has one upright edge overlapping the adjacent edge of its complemental wall plate 38, whereby said edges of saidplates may be suitably secured to the upright angles 28. Wall plates II are interposed between the plates 39-39, and are preferably provided with longitudinally extending marginal flanges in a manner similar to the side and roof wall plates, whereby the plates 4| may be secured in position by means of upright channel-shaped clamping members 42, and

straps 49. The clamping members 42 and straps 40 are similar to the members 22 and straps 25 used to secure the side and top wall plates together, as shown in Figure 10. In the construction of the end walls, the wall plates 39 are interposed between the upright angles 28 and the horizontal angle 29, as shown in Figure 5.

Wall plates 43 and 44 complete the formation of the end wall at each side of the door opening, and may be secured inposition by channel members l5 and 46, whose lower ends are secured to the base angles '32. The upper ends of the wall plates 43 and 44 are will be narrow elongatedstrap from endto end of the the top of the roof, as shown in Figures 1,2 and 12, and provides in eifect an eave. A relatively small inclined plate 43 is provided overthe door opening, as shown in'Figure 5.

To reinforce and strengthen the structure, h main supporting arch 2 may be provided with a horizontally disposed tie-rod, generally designated ably comprising two sections Il-ll. Each tierod section 49 has its outer end suitably secured to its complemental arch, and the inner ends of said rod sections are shown received in suitable apertures provided at the-lower end of a hangar, generally designated by the numeral 52. Suitable nuts 53 are received in threaded engagement with the inner ends of the rod section 5|, whereby the rods may be tightened to resist outward spreading of the cylindrical wall of the building.

In Figure 9, I have shown the manner of securing the wall plates l9 in position on the structural supporting frame of the building, which constitutes an important feature of the invention. To secure the wall plates in position on the supporting frame, the workman or mechanic starts at one end of the building, and successively lays the plates against the outer surface of the arches 2 and tie members l1, beginning at the bottom of the structure. When two or more wall plates ill have been positioned on the supporting frame at one endthereof, they are secured thereto by one of the clamping channels 22, which is seated against said plates over the arch 2 with which said plates are engaged. Because the wall plates l9 are relatively narrower than the spacing between adjacent supporting arches 2, some of the joints between adjacent plates must be completed independently of the arches 2, as hereinbefore stated, and as clearly illustrated at A in Figure 10. All such joints are completed by means of additional clamping channels 22 and straps 25, as shown in Figure 10, the straps 25 of sheet metal "extends being supported by the tie members I I, as shown in this figure. Because of the flanges 2| of the wall plates l9 being disposed within the channels 22,'as shown in Figure 10,- it will be noted that the vertical joints between adjacent plates will be substantially water-tight.

In some instances, it may be found desirable to make the spacing between the supporting arches 2 and the widths of the wall plates l9 approximating the same, in which case all of the vertical joints between the plates will be made directly over the arches 2. From actual practice, however, I have found that ample strength is obtained by spacing the arches 2 approximately six feet apart, and the wall plates are preferably made approximately two feet wide to facilitate handling.

The horizontal joints between the .ends of adjacent wall plates are secured together in sealed relation by the connectors 26, as shown in Figure 4. One such connector is positioned on the upper edge of each installed plate, by means of its upper book 21, as shown in Figure 4, and the next succeeding plate is then positioned with its lower edge seated in the lower outer hook 21,

3. securedtotheendarchas. understood hyreference tol'lgure 2.. A,

horizontal angle 29, along by the numeral 49, and each prefer- 1 plates as shown in Figure 4, the connectors are secured in positionso that they cannot accidently become detached from the structure, and the joints between the ends of the plates will also be substantially leak-tight.

From the foregoing it willbev noted that the wall plates are secured. to the structural supporting frame by the clamping members 22, whereby it is unnecessary to punch or drill holes in the wall plates for the reception of bolts or.

screws. All of the wall plates used in the formation of the side and top walls of the building are preferably alike in shape and size, and are preferably straight or uncurved prior to being installed in the building. Before use, the plates may therefore be stacked in compact bundles, whereby they require a minimum of space in storage and shipment. The curvature of the wall. of the structure is such that the plates may readily be bent into engagement with the supporting frame when being installed, The clamping chan- :nels 22 are pre-formed or curved before installation in a manner similar to the sections 3 of the supportingarches 2. The strap-like clamping members 22, however, need not be pro-formed,

as they may readily be bent into shape when erected.

The building as shown in the accompanying drawings is not provided with windows or openings other than the doors. his to be understood, however, that suitable windows may be provided in the walls thereof, if desired, without departing from the scope of the invention. The two end walls of the building are preferably alike in construction, and each is shown provided with arelatively wide door opening, as hereinbefore described.

In Figure 14 I have shown a construction wherein the inner clamping member b is longitudinally grooved or recessed to provide a raised portion or bead adapted to be received within the channel 22, with its outer surfaces 56 engaging the flanges 2| of the wall plates Hi. In the construction here shown, itwill be noted that the bead or raised portion 55 of the inner clamp- .in that the bead 55 outwardly bends or flexes the flanges 2| into engagement with the opposite walls of the channel 22.

Figure 16 is a view showing another form of inner clamping member 25b, which comprises 'an elongated body which is preferably convex in the direction of the outer channel 22, and is capable of slightly flexing, as shown, when the nut is tightened on the bolt 24. In the form here shown,

it will be noted that the wall plates I!) are slightly flexed, as shown at 58, when the two clamping members 22 and 251) are drawn together, whereby a leak-proof joint is provided, as will be understood.

In Figure 1'7 another construction is shown, in

which the inner clamping member 25b i provided with angularly shaped marginal edge portions 59, adapted to engage the wall plates I9 at points outwardly'spaced from the flanges 2|.

Theclamping member 2517 in Figure =17 is also shaped to extend somewhat into the channel 22, and is secured to the latter by bolts 24, as shown.

In the construction here shown, the wall plates I9 may also be slightly flexed, as shown'at 6|, whereby they are'held in firm contact with the channel member 22, to provide joints which are substantially leak-proof. I a

The novel building herein disclosed has been found particularly useful in rural districts as an inexpensive housing for various types of equipi ment. It may also be used on flying fields'as a hangar for housing airplanes and other aircraft,

and on defense projects, as it offers maximum floor space without obstruction, and may be erected in a comparatively'short time with a minimum of labor. It is all all-metal structure, and

is therefore substantially fireproof. Its shape is such that it offers very little resistance to high winds, which is highly desirable in buildings of this general type.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objects of my invention, and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto. I

I claim as my invention:

1. In a building of the class described, a foundation comprising longitudinally extending base rails each having an upwardly extending flange, a plurality of semi-circular arches of angular cross-section each having its lower ends secured to the base rails, said arches being arranged in spaced parallel relation lengthwise of the building, horizontally disposedtie member interposed between and secured to said arches and cooperating therewith to provide a rugged supporting structure, a plurality of elongated wall plates seated against the outer surfaces of said arches and said tie members, said wall plates being relatively narrower than the spacing between said arches, whereby certain of the joints between said plates will be disposed between the arches and other joints will be disposed over the arches, the longitudinal edges of said plates being formed with outwardly turned flanges and the flanged edges of adjacent plates being disposed in contiguous relation, elongated clamping members of channel cross-section engaging the longitudinal edge portions of said plates and concealing the joints between said plates, one such clamping member being secured to each arch, and the channel members concealing the joints disposed between the arches having complemental straplike members engaging the inner sides of the plates, and suitable bolts securing said clamping members to their respective arches and straplike members, whereby all of said wall plates may be securely clamped to the supporting structures without the use of holes in the wall plates.

2. In an all-metal building of the class described, a pair of spaced base rails, a plurality of semi-circular arches arranged in spaced par allel relation lengthwise of the building, means for securing the lower ends of said arches to the base rails, tie members interposed between and secured to said arches and cooperating therewith frame and provided with to provide a structural supporting frame, a plurality of elongated wall plates secured to said frame and provided with longitudinally extending marginal flanges, said plates being relatively narrower than the spacing between the arches and having their long dimensions disposed in substantially parallel relation to the arches, whereby certain of the joints between adjacent plates will be disposed between the arches while others of said joints are disposed directly on the arches, clamping channels for securing the platw to the arches, means for securing together the contiguous edges of adjacent wall plates between the arches, comprising a channel-shaped clamping member adapted to be seated on the flanged edge portions of said plates with said flanges extending into the channel, and a complemental clamping member comprising an elongated fiat body formed with a longitudinally extending bead adapted to be received within the channel and engage the plate flanges, and bolts received in alined apertures provided in said channel-shaped and complemental clamping members, thereby to secure the plates together in substantially leakproof relation.

3. In an all-metal building of the class described, a pair of spaced base rails, a pluralityof semi-circular arches arranged in spaced parallelrelation lengthwise of the building, means for securing the lower ends of said arches to the base rails, tie members interposed between and secured to said arches and cooperating therewith to rality of elongated wall plates secured to said longitudinally extending marginal flanges, said plates being relatively narrower than the spacing between the arches and having their long dimensions disposed in substantially parallel relation to the arches, whereby certain of the joints between adjacent plates will be disposed between the arches while others of said joints are disposed directly on the arches, clamping channels for securing the plates to the arches, means for securing together the contiguous edges of adjacent wall plates between the arches, comprising a channel-shaped clamping member adapted to be seated on the flanged edge portions of said plates with said provide a structural supporting frame, a pluflanges extending into said member, and a complemental clamping member comprising an elongated bindable body having a convex surface adapted to be seated against the flanged edge portions of the wall plates, and bolts received in alined apertures in said channel-shaped and complemental clamping members whereby said complemental clamping member may be inwardly flexed to force the portions of said plates extending into the channel-shaped clamping member into intimate contact with inner surfaces thereof, thereby to provide leak-proof connections between said channel members and wall plates.

4. In an all-metal building of the class described. a pair of spaced base rails, a plurality of semi-circular arches arranged in spaced parallel relation lengthwise of the building, means for securing the lower ends of said arches to the base rails, tie members interposed between and secured to said arches and cooperating therewith to provide a structural supporting frame, a plurality of elongated wall plates secured to said frame and provided with longitudinally extending marginal flanges, said plates being relatively narrower than thespacing between the arches and having their long dimensions disposed in substantially parallel relation to the arches, whereby certain of the joints between adjacent plates will be disposed between the arches While others of said Joints are disposed directly on the arches, clamping channels for securing the plates to the arches, means for securing together the contiguous edges of adjacent wall plates between the arches, comprising an outer channel-shaped clamping member adapted to be seated on the flanged edge portion of said plates with said flanges extending into the channel, and a complemental inner clamping member comprising an elongated body adapted to be seated against inner surfaces of the wall plates and having a portion extending into the outer channel memher, and bolts for drawing said clamping members together whereby the flanged edge portions 01' the wall plates are forced into intimate contact with said members to provide a leak-proof ioint between said plates.

JAMES COWIN. 

